Modular shell and tube heat exchanger system

ABSTRACT

A shell and tube heat exchanger system comprising at least one adjustable modular end assembly and an adjustable modular end assembly for use with the same.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to shell and tube heaterexchanger systems.

Traditionally, the design of heat exchangers is based on a combinationof thermal transfer requirements and fluid properties with regard fortemperature, flow and pressure drop characteristics. Plate type heatexchangers can be assembled with the appropriate number of pre-designedplates to balance these criteria. Multiple plates may be used inparallel to attain the necessary thermal transfer without increasing thepressure drop. The flow through the plate pack can be routed in singleor multi-pass configurations to balance the flow, pressure drop andthermal demands.

Shell and tube heat exchangers, on the other hand, are traditionally notcomprised of standard, expandable components. The number of tubes andthe overall length of the final assembly determine its flow, pressuredrop and thermal performance. Once a given tube bundle structure, shell,tube sheet and head configuration have been designed, only length isvariable to balance the configuration with the demands of theapplication.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a shell and tube heat exchanger system comprising atleast one adjustable modular end assembly; at least one inner tube influid communication with an interior conduit defined in the modular endassembly and at least one shell surrounding in the interior conduit, theshell defining and interior space in fluid communication with anexterior conduit in the adjustable end assembly, wherein the inner tubeand the interior space defined by the shell are isolated from contactwith one another.

Also disclosed herein is a modular end block assembly suitable for usein a shell and tube heat exchanger assembly, the modular block assemblycomprising at least one first fitting having a first planar face andopposed side faces angularly positioned relative to the first face. Themodular block assembly has at least one through bore defined thereinextending from one opposed face to the other. The modular block assemblyalso has at least one bore located on the first planar face in fluidcommunication with the through bore.

The modular block assembly also includes at least one mating fittingconfigured to be positioned in fluid tight contact with the first faceof the first fitting.

The modular block assembly can communicate with a suitable shell andtube heat exchanger assembly having a multi-tube bundle through which amaterial such as a temperature conditioned material can be routed Themulti-tube bundle passes through a shell where a thermal transfer fluidcan be circulated.

Where desired or required, the modular block assembly can include asuitable baffle element adapted to be seated in the bore located in thefirst planar face. The baffle element includes multiple baffles that maybe used to hold the multi-tube bundle in position and may be configuredto route the thermal transfer fluid around the tubes. Energy passesthrough the walls of the multi-tube bundle and is exchanged between thethermal transfer fluid(s) circulating around the outside of the walls ofthe tubes and the material to be temperature conditioned containedwithin the walls of the tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first tube block element of a modularassembly according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 A is a top view of the first tube block element of the modularblock assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the first tube block element of the modularblock assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the second tube block element of themodular block assembly according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 4A is a detail view of the first face of the element of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 B is a detail view of the side face of the element of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a baffle suitable for use in the modularblock assembly according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 6A is a top view of the baffle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 B is a side view of the baffle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an assembly according to an embodiment asdisclosed herein with ports commonly aligned;

FIG. 8A is a detail side view of an assembly with ports commonly alignedas depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B is a detail front view of an assembly depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an assembly according to an embodiment asdisclosed herein with ports offset;

FIG. 10A is a detail side view of an assembly with ports offset;

FIG. 10B is a detail front view of an assembly with ports offset;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a 1×2 series one-component assemblyaccording to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 12A is a detail side view of the assembly in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12B is a detail top view of the assembly in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a 1×2 parallel one-component assemblyaccording to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 14A is a detail side view of the assembly in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 B is a detail top view of the assembly in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a 1×2 parallel two-component assemblyaccording to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 16A is a detail side view of the assembly in FIG. 15;

FIG. 16B is a detail top view of the assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a 2×4 series/parallel one-componentassembly according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 18A is a detail side view of the assembly in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 18 is a detail top view of the assembly in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a modular heat exchanger assembly comprised ofindividual segments that can be arranged in series or parallelconfigurations as desired or required.

Each segment of the modular heat exchanger is composed of two tubesheet-head pairs or modular block assemblies connected by a sheetencasing multi-tube bundles. The tube sheet is a multi-function device(hereinafter “tube block”) that directs the thermal transfer fluid andthe material to be conditioned in different paths. The device includesat least one of pluggable thermal transfer fluid ports, counter bores toaccommodate both the shell and tube bundle configurations, and gasketsurfaces around ports to enable the tube block to be mated with both ahead block and adjacent tube blocks, if desired.

It is contemplated that the modular block assemblies can be mated ineither a series or parallel configuration. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that the material ports may be in either a commonorientation or in an offset orientation. If an adjacent tube block isnot desired, the particular modular block assembly or tube block maydirect material out of the heat exchanger assembly. In one non-limitingembodiment as disclosed herein, the face of the tube block featuring thetube sheet is square shaped, with the tube bundle arranged in such afashion as to be symmetrical over a 90° rotation.

The tube blocks or modular block assembly disclosed herein includesmeans for directing heat transfer material in a desired transit path. Inone embodiment disclosed herein, the directing means are configured suchthat the tube blocks or modular black assemblies include at least onethermal transfer fluid port. The thermal transfer fluid port may besuitably configured to be plugged to route material to be conditioned ina series configuration. Alternately, the thermal transfer fluid port maybe unplugged to route material in a parallel configuration, while thematerial to be conditioned always passes to the head.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, it is contemplated that theheat exchange assembly will include at least one modular block assemblyor head 10 that includes at least two elements 12 and 14 (as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3). It is to be understood that the heat exchange assemblycan include multiple block assemblies or heads 10 and in manyembodiments, a heat exchange shell and tube assembly can be disposedbetween at least a pair of suitably configured heads as disclosedherein.

It is contemplated that each element 12, 14 of a modular block assemblycan include a plurality of pluggable material ports communicating withsuitable fluid channels that extending inward into the body of the blockfrom the associated face of the respective element. The variouspluggable material ports can be configured to direct either thematerial, to be conditioned or the heat exchange material as desired orrequired. As depicted in the various drawing figures, at least oneelement of the head 10 directs the material to be conditioned either toadjacent head devices or in and out of the associated heat exchangerassembly.

The various elements 12, 14 can be configured with suitable gasketsurfaces proximate to the associated material port. It is contemplatedthat the various gasket surfaces located on the head or modular blockassembly surround the various ports located in the body of the blockassembly to enable the head element to be mated as desired or requiredto an adjacent tube block and/or with adjacent heads as desired orrequired.

It is also contemplated that one or more of the material ports may beconfigured in a manner to accept a suitable fluid tight plug. Pluggingis accomplished to enable the material port to be configured to routethermal transfer fluid in a series configuration. Alternatively, theport may be unplugged to route thermal transfer fluid in a parallelconfiguration. Where desired or required, the material ports can also beconfigured with suitable attachment regions to fasten various devices tothe head elements in suitable mating fashion. Nonlimiting examples ofvarious devices that can be included and mated in the assembly includethe various tubes and shell members of the associated heat exchangerassembly as well as various nozzles, hoses, conduits and plugs todeliver material to and from the associated assembly and direct fluidsso delivered.

In the embodiment as depicted in the various drawing figures, theattachment region can be configured as an internally threaded surfacethat can mate with suitably threaded detachable devices (not shown). Itis contemplated that the internally threaded surface can be integral tothe element 12, 14 (not shown) or can be configured as part of a sleeve18 as seen associated with port 20 as defined in element 12 depicted inFIG. 1. Such element can be referred to in certain application as a tubesheet. The sleeve 18 can be either permanently affixed to the associateport 20 or can be insertable therein as desired or required.

It is contemplated that the region immediately surrounding the openingof port 20 can be configured with a suitable setback if desired orrequired. The setback can have any suitable configuration, however, inmany situations, it will be understood that the port and the associatedorifice and setback will have a circular or near circular configuration.However other configurations that permit and/or facilitate fluid floware contemplated. In the embodiment of element 12 as depicted in FIG. 1,the sleeve 18 is set back in the associated port 20 relative to thesurrounding outer face 22 to produce and define setback 24. It iscontemplated that setbacks such as the setback 24 can define a suitablegasket surface configured to receive a suitable gasket and that suchgaskets can be configured and composed of materials suitable to achievesuitably fluid tight coupling with associated mating parts duringoperation of the associated device. Port 20 communicates with channel23.

The element or tube sheet 12 as set forth in FIG. 1 also has a surface26 angularly contiguous with surface 22. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the port 28 is centrally located in surface 26. The port 28 maybe positioned in element 12 at any suitable location relative to face 26and communicates with channel 40.

The port 28 is configured with a suitable setback 29 defining a recessconfigured to receive and position an element such as a tube bundlemanifold 30 therein. The tube bundle manifold 30 can have anyconfiguration suitable to receive and hold material conveying tubes suchas those to be described subsequently. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the tube bundle manifold 30 is a circular plate configured toconform to the opening defined by port 28. It is contemplated that othergeometries may be employed if desired or required. The circular plate isconfigures with suitable tube receiving apertures 31 configured toreceive respective material conveying tubes of a suitable tube bundle.The apertures 31 can have any suitable outer geometry selected for thatpurpose and can have suitable regions configured to promote fluid tightsealing and performance according to the use requirements of theassociated heat transfer device. In the embodiment depicted, the ports31 have a circular configuration.

The apertures 31 can be positioned in the tube bundle manifold 30 in anysuitable orientation relative to the manifold. In many embodiments, itis contemplated that the apertures 31 will be positioned to provide atube bundle manifold that is symmetrical as the manifold is rotated over90°. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the tube bundlemanifold has 9 ports 31. Other patterns that are symmetrical over a 90°rotation can be used.

While a separate and/or separable tube bundle manifold 30 has beendiscussed, it is contemplated that the tube bundle manifold 30 can beformed with and/or integrally connected to the element 12 as desired orrequired. The tube bundle manifold 30 may include suitable seats and/orother devices to permit and achieve fluid tight connection between theelement 12 and the associated material conveying tubes and an associatedshell.

As can be seen in various Figures such as FIGS. 2B and 8A and B, face 26is configured to matingly connect with face 26′ of element 14 in asuitable manner, nonlimiting examples of which will be describedsubsequently. In many situations, it can be appreciated that element 14can be referred to as a head member.

As can also be appreciated from the drawing FIGS. 2B, 8A and 8B amongothers, the tube sheet member such as element 12 the channel 40communicating with port 28 passes through the member 12 and terminatedin opening 41. Opening 41 can have any suitable configuration and caninclude a suitable setback 43 that can be configured to receive suitableseals as well as communicating with the shell member of the associatedheat exchange assembly in a manner that will be describe subsequently.Thus it is contemplated that the material conveying tubes will passthrough aperture 41 and pass through the body of element 12 to connectwith and terminate at the tube bundle manifold 30.

It is contemplated that channel 23 will communicate with channel 40 inthat material introduced into channel 23 will be conveyed out throughchannel 40. It is also contemplated that the direction of fluid travelcan be reversed where desired or required. In the embodiment depicted indrawing FIGS. 2A and 2B, the channel 23 can pass through the element 12to a face 25 opposed to the face 22. The channel 23 can be configured tobe dead headed if desired or required for the particular application.

The assembly 10 disclosed herein can also be include at least one matingelement 14 that can be referred to as a head. Element 14 is configuredwith channel 20′ that connects with a mating channel 40 communicatingwith orifice 42 located in face 26′. The channel 20′ can extend throughthe body of the element 14 to receive material conveyed through materialconveying tubes (or transfer material thereto).

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, element 14 includes an outer face22′ with port 20′ defined therein. Port 20 can be suitably configured toconnect with associated parts as desired or required. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3, Port 20′ includes a nonthreaded surface 21′ with asetback gasket receiving detent 24′. It is to be understood that theregion can be threaded and or include an insert as described previouslydepending upon particulars of the given application and associated heatexchange unit.

The port 20′ communicates with a channel 23′ that can pass through thebody of the element 14 if desired or required and exit through theopposed face defining a channel that traverses the body of element 14.Where desired or required, channel 23′ can be configured with one ormore threaded openings. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4A and4B, the element 14 is configured with one threaded or non threadedinsert 21′. It is contemplated that when an insert or threading isemployed, the ID of the channel can be modified to accommodate thisfeature. Thus one end of the channel 23′ may have a slightly greater IDthan the other end with the two respective IDs meeting and tapering at asuitable central point in the channel 23′. This is depicted in thedrawing figures as region or line 44. In the embodiment depicted, the

Element 14 also has orifice 40 defined in face 26′ that communicateswith channel 46. Channel 46 is in fluid communication with channel 23′and is configured to convey process material to or from the materialconveying tube bundle as desired or required. The channel can have anygeometry suitable for conveying material. In the embodiment depicted,the channel has a conical configuration (when viewed in cross-section)tapering to a minimum at the point of communication with the channel 23.It is contemplated that the orifice 40 can have a geometry and size thatmatingly corresponds with orifice 28 of associated element 12.

Elements 12 and 14 can be used with a suitable tube bundle and shell toproduce a heat exchange assembly having one or more segments. Anon-limiting example of an embodiment of an heat assembly segment 100 isdepicted in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B. A segment 100 is created when onemodular block assembly or head-sheet block combination 10 is linked toanother head-sheet block combination 10′ with the shell 110 transportingthe desired fluids in between.

In one non-limiting embodiment, it is contemplate that the thermaltransfer fluid ports on the tube block 10, 10′ may be both threaded forfemale NPT pipe connection and contain gaskets for tube-block totube-block mating and the ports on the head (elements 12 and 12′) mayhave gasket surfaces that allow a connection plate to be attached thatcan adapt to any type of threaded or sanitary connection desired.

It is contemplated that multiple segments such as segment 100 may beconfigured in series or in parallel in order to create a heat exchangerassembly with the desired thermal transfer properties. Additionally, anassembly can be configured to transfer heat between multiple materialsand a single thermal transfer fluid to cool or heat all materials to thesame temperature as in the manner describe subsequently

Tube Block Design: as discussed previously in conjunction with thespecific elements 12 and 14, in various elements of the device asdisclosed herein, it is contemplated that modular block assembly 10, 10′will be configured in a manner that facilitate orientation of theassociated tube bundle 120 in the heat exchanger segment 100 such thatthe tubes are arranged in such a fashion as to be symmetrical over a 90°rotation. This configuration can be accomplished by tube bundle manifold30 associated with the head member (element 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).In the embodiment as depicted, the tube bundle 110 is a oriented in athree-by-three square pattern. It is to be understood that variouspatterns and configurations are considered to be within the scope ofthis disclosure. Thus other patterns that are symmetrical over a 90°rotation could be used.

The individual tubes 122 of the tube bundle 120 can be fastened to thetube block 10, 10′ by any suitable method that is capable ofwithstanding pressure levels contemplated in the application andassociated method. Nonlimiting examples of such methods include welding,gluing, forming, or other liquid tight means capable of withstanding thedesign pressure. In the embodiment depicted in the various drawingfigures such as FIGS. 7 and 8A and 8B, the individual tubes are fastenedto the tube bundle manifold 30 and held in place thereby. It is alsoconsidered within the purview of this invention to employ additionalanchoring devices as desired or required.

In at least some of the embodiments depicted herein, the tube block 10,10′ incorporates two ports directly opposite one another that aredesigned for both threaded connection and gasket connection. These portsare used to route the thermal transfer fluid into or out of the areadefined by shell 112 around the tube bundle 120 and to adjoiningsegments in the overall assembly.

It is contemplated that the top surface 26 of the tube sheet (element12) also employs a gasket recess 28 around the tube bundle manifold 30that provides for sealing the head-tube block interface as well asthreaded holes (not shown) to facilitate fastening of the head to thetube block. It is also contemplate that cross bored ports 32 can beprovided in the body of the tube (element 12) that will allow bolts orthreaded rods to be employed to hold the adjacent segments in theassembly together.

Additionally, though it is not shown in FIG. 1 or 2, one embodiment ofthe tube block 10, 10′ can also features four bores at 90° intervalsaround the ports to facilitate connection of a nozzle, if desired orrequired.

Head Design: Details of the head design (also referred to as element 14)are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. These are designed with material portspositioned to direct material flow as required between the adjacentshell and tube segments and through the tube bundles 120. Gasketsurfaces are incorporated to enable the head (element 14, 14′) to bemated both with its respective tube sheet block (element 12) and withadjacent material routing heads. For example, one port region in FIG. 4Bmay be suitably threaded and deadheaded to block the flow of materialthrough the element 14 head, forcing it only through the gasket-onlyport 40 located on the associated upper face 26′. In the embodiment asdepicted, the design of the head (element 14) is symmetrical over anycenterline enabling it to be positioned in any of the four possibleorientations on or relative to the associated tube sheet (such aselement 12, 12′). This allows the head to direct material as required inany configuration.

Baffles: One embodiment of the baffle manifold 50 as disclosed herein isshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As depicted the baffle manifold 50 is configuredto be symmetrical and can be placed in any of the four availablehemispherical orientations available in the tube bundle 120 This offsetlocation style is further shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16. Thebaffles 50 as depicted change fluid direction and add turbulence to thethermal transfer fluid flow to improve the thermal efficiency of theheat exchanger.

It is contemplated that the baffles 50 can be placed at spaced intervalsalso the tubing bundle 120 and will have at least one surface adapted toengage and contact the corresponding inner surface of the shell 112.

As depicted, baffles 50 are configured as a planar sheet element 52 witha plurality of apertures 54 configured to each receive an individualtube 122 therethrough. It is contemplated that the number and locationof apertures 54 in planar sheet element 52 will correspond position of anumber of the tubes 122 in the respective tube bundle 120. It iscontemplated that the baffle 50 will be configured to be symmetricalover 90 degree rotation. In the embodiment depicted the planar sheetalso has a plurality of semicircular detents 56 in which additionaltubes 122 of the tube bundle 120 can be positioned.

Segment Configurations: Segments can be built with the tube blocks 10,10′ in a common port orientation as shown in FIGS. 7 & 8, where therespective ports 20, 20′ of the respective tube blocks are parallel withone another. In the embodiments depicted in the various drawing figures,the reference character A and associated arrow designates “water in”while the reference character B and associated arrow represents “waterout”. It is to be understood that, in its broadest sense, the term“water” as applied in this context is used to denote various organic andinorganic fluid thermal transfer media. “Thermal transfer” is taken toinclude both transfer of thermal energy such as heat to and/or from atleast one material.

The embodiments depicted also employ reference character C andassociates arrow as well as reference character D and associated arrowto denote “material in” and “material out” respectively.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, elements 14 and 14′ (alsoreferred to as heads) are each deadheaded on one side by plugs 60, 60′respectively. Elements 12 and 12′ are each deadheaded by plugs 62, 62′respectively.

It is also contemplated that the segments can be built with therespective tube blocks in an offset port orientation as shown in FIGS. 9& 10, whereas the ports of the tube sheets are at a 90° orientation toone another. These two differing configurations are comprised withexactly the same components with only the alignment of the tube-sheetschanged at the assembly step. This allows control over the direction offlow of the thermal transfer fluid.

Though the segments can be used individually, FIGS. 11 through 18 showhow the common port and offset port configurations are used incombination to create some of the various arrangements afforded by thisdesign to solve specific problems associated with liquid temperaturecontrol.

The Series Configuration: FIGS. 11 and 12 show two common port segmentscombined to create a simple series circuit. Thermally, this is the sameas a heat exchanger twice the length, but because it is “folded” inhalf, it takes up much less space. Here, the thermal transfer fluidenters the bottom port of the right-hand side of the tube block in thelower segment. The opposite port in the tube block is plugged, so thefluid is forced through the lower shell and over the tube bundle. Whenthe thermal transfer fluid reaches the tube block at the left side ofthe segment, the plug in the lower port forces the fluid up into theadjacent tube block above it.

A suitable sealing device such as an elastomeric o-ring seal preventsleaking between the upper and lower tube blocks. The plug in the topport in the top tube block forces the thermal transfer fluid through theupper shell and over the tube bundle in that segment. When the fluidreaches the tube block at the opposite end of the segment, the lowerplug in the tube block and the elastomeric o-ring seal between the tubeblock and the one beneath it force the fluid up and out of the heatexchanger. (Note that the same series configuration could be createdwith the offset port segments, but the inlet and outlet would be rotated90° to the face where the material inlet and outlet are shown.)

Material flow can be in the opposite direction from the thermal transferfluid flow to maximize thermal transfer efficiency, so the materialenters the top head. The plug in the rear port of the head forces thematerial through the tubes of the tube bundle and through the oppositetube sheet. When the material enters the head, the plugged port on thetop of the head forces the material down into the lower head. A suitablegasket seal prevents leaking between the heads. The plugged port in thebottom of the lower head forces the material through the tubes of thetube bundle through the opposite tube sheet.

When the material enters the opposite head, the plugged port on the backof the head forces the material out of the heat exchanger through thefront port. Additional segments could be added to obtain a desiredthermal length. For the two segment unit shown, simple bolts could berun through the cross-bored holes to hold the segments together. As moresegments are added, these simple bolts could be replaced with segmentsof threaded rod to cover the distance required. The smooth gasket portson the faces of the heads are designed to be interfaced with a portplate that allows any type of material connection (NPT, FPT, Tri-clamp,Cherry-Burrell, etc.) to be fitted to the assembly, thus continuing thetotal modular flexibility of the design.

The Parallel Configuration: FIGS. 13 and 14 show two common portsegments combined to create a simple parallel circuit. Thermally, theheat exchanged in this configuration is twice that of a single segmentand equal to the series configuration shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. However,due to the parallel configuration the pressure drop is ¼ the pressuredrop resulting from the series configuration in FIGS. 11 and 12. Here wesee that the thermal transfer fluid enters the top port of the top tubeblock on the left end of the assembly. The bottom port in the bottomtube sheet is plugged, but the port between the upper and lower tubeblocks is open. An elastomeric o-ring seal prevents leaking between thetube blocks. The thermal transfer fluid is forced simultaneously throughboth shells and over both tube bundles. The relationship between flowrate and pressure drop assures that the flow will be balanced betweenthe two segments. When the thermal transfer fluid reaches the tubesheets at the opposite end of the segments, the plug in the bottom portof the lower tube sheet forces the fluid up and out through the openport in the upper tube sheet. (Note that, in contrast to the seriesconfiguration, this parallel configuration cannot be created with theoffset port segments.)

Material flow is again in the opposite direction from the thermaltransfer fluid flow to maximize thermal transfer efficiency. Thematerial enters the top port of the top head on the right end of theassembly. The bottom port in the bottom head is plugged, but the portbetween them is open. A gasket seal prevents leaking between the heads.The material is forced simultaneously through both tube bundles. Again,the relationship between flow rate and pressure drop assures that theflow will be balanced, not only between the two bundles, but alsobetween the tubes in each bundle. When the material reaches the heads atthe opposite end of the segments, the plug in the bottom port of thelower head forces the material up and out through the open port in theupper head. This is referred to as a “one-component” configuration.

A second embodiment of the parallel configuration is shown in FIGS. 15and 16. The path of the thermal transfer fluid is identical to thatdescribed in the simple parallel circuit above. In this embodiment,however, the heads are completely isolated from one another and adifferent material is passed through each heat exchanger tube bundle.This is referred to as a “multi-Component” configuration in that asingle temperature control system can simultaneously control multiplematerials.

The Series-Parallel Configuration: FIGS. 17 and 18 show a four by twoseries-parallel circuit. This combines the series configuration with theparallel configuration to create a large heat exchanger. Thermally, thisis the same as a heat exchanger four times the segment length with twicethe number of tubes, but takes up little space due to its “folded”shape. The thermal transfer fluid enters the top port of the upper tubeblock. The back port in the back tube block is plugged, but the portbetween them is open. Once again, an elastomeric o-ring seal preventsleaking between the tube sheets. The thermal transfer fluid is forcedsimultaneously through both top shells and over both tube bundles. Therelationship between flow rate and pressure drop assures that the flowwill be balanced between the two segments. When the thermal transferfluid reaches the tube blocks at the opposite end of the segments, theplug in the top ports force the fluid down and through the open portsbetween the first and second layers of tube blocks as described for theseries circuit above. Again, the thermal transfer fluid is forcedsimultaneously through the shells and over the tube bundles to the tubeblocks at the opposite end of the assembly where the porting between thetube blocks between the second and third layers of the assembly redirectthe thermal transfer fluid in the opposite end. The route is repeated afinal time and the thermal transfer fluid from the two parallel segmentsexits the assembly through the lower right hand tube block. In short,this creates a serpentine series flow with two parallel paths.

Material flow is again in the opposite direction from the thermaltransfer fluid flow to maximize thermal transfer efficiency. Thematerial enters the bottom right pair of heads. The plug in the rearport of the back head forces the material through the tubes of the twoparallel tube bundles and through the tube sheets at the opposite end.When the material enters the heads, the plugged ports on the bottom ofthe heads force the material up into the second pair of heads. A gasketseal prevents leaking between them. The plugged ports in the top of bothsecond layer heads force the material through the tubes of the twoparallel tube bundles through the opposite tube sheets. As with thethermal transfer fluid, this serpentine pattern continues until thematerial in the two parallel paths meet in the upper right heads andexit the assembly. As described above, segments of threaded rod are usedto hold the assembly together due to the distance required. The smoothgasket ports on the faces of the heads are designed to be interfacedwith a port plate that allows any type of material connection (NPT, FPT,Tri-clamp, Cherry-Burrell, etc.) to be fitted to the assembly thuscontinuing the total modular flexibility of the design.

Some Features of the Disclosed Device

A tube sheet comprising:

a solid mass with two intercepting through bores extending from andending at planar surfaces of the mass, with a manifold partitioning onebore.

A tube sheet assembly comprising:

the tube sheet of Claim 1 adjacent to a second solid mass with a throughbore extending from and ending at planar surfaces of the second mass anda port in a planar surface of the second mass extending into the secondmass and intercepting the bore at a right angle, with the tube sheet andsecond mass aligned such bore in the tube sheet with the manifold abutsthe port of the second mass, and with a seal interposed between the tubesheet and the second mass.

A heat exchanger segment comprising:

two of the sheet tube assemblies as disclosed in Claim 2 interposed by asheet, containing a bundle of tubes.

A heat exchanger assembly comprising:

at least two of the heat exchanger segments disclosed in Claim 3.

The tube sheet of Claim 1 wherein the through bores intercept at aninety degree angle.

The tube sheet of Claim 1 wherein the manifold is symmetrical over aninety degree angle.

The tube sheet of Claim 1 wherein the through bore without the manifoldis threaded to accept a threaded plug.

The tube sheet of Claim 1 wherein the surface of the mass around theperimeter of at least one through bore is recessed to accept a gasket.

The tube sheet of Claim 1 wherein the mass is cube shaped.

The tube sheet of Claim 9 wherein each face of the cube contains aplurality of bores that are cross-bored with the bores in perpendicularfaces.

The tube sheet of Claim 9 wherein the bore without the manifold issurrounded by a plurality of bores.

The tube sheet assembly of Claim 2 wherein the bore without the manifoldin the tube sheet is aligned parallel to the bore in the second mass.

The tube sheet assembly of Claim 2 wherein the bore without the manifoldin the tube sheet is aligned perpendicularly to the bore in the secondmass.

The heat exchanger segment of Claim 3 wherein a thermal transfer fluidruns inside the sheet but outside the bundled tubes and a material to beconditioned runs inside the bundled tubes.

1. An adjustable modular end assembly configured for use in a heatexchanger segment comprising: a solid mass with two intercepting throughbores extending from and ending at planar surfaces of the mass.
 2. Aheat exchanger segment comprising: the modular end assembly of claim 1positioned adjacent to a second modular end assembly with a through boreextending from and ending at planar surfaces of the second modular endassembly and a port in a planar surface of the second mass extendinginto the second mass and intercepting the bore at a right angle, withthe tube sheet and second mass aligned such bore in the tube sheet withthe manifold abuts the port of the second mass, and with a sealinterposed between the first and second adjustable modular endassemblies; and at least one tube bundle having a plurality of materialconveying tubes and an outer shell surrounding the tubes in fluidcommunication with the first and second modular block assemblies.
 3. Theheat exchanger segment of claim 2 further comprising: at least twoadditional modular end assemblies in fluid communication with thematerial conveying tubes and an outer shell at a location distal to thefirst modular end assemblies.
 4. A heat exchanger assembly comprising:at least two of the heat exchanger segments as defined in claim
 3. 5.The adjustable modular end assembly of claim 1 wherein the through boresintercept at a ninety degree angle.
 6. The adjustable modular endassembly of claim 5 wherein the manifold is symmetrical over a ninetydegree angle.
 7. The adjustable modular end assembly of claim 1 whereinthe through bore without the manifold is threaded to accept a threadedplug.
 8. The adjustable modular end assembly of claim 1 wherein thesurface of the mass around the perimeter of at least one through bore isrecessed to accept a gasket.
 9. The adjustable modular end assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the mass is cube shaped.
 10. The adjustable modular endassembly of claim 9 wherein each face of the cube contains a pluralityof bores that are cross-bored with the bores in perpendicular faces. 11.The adjustable modular end assembly of claim 9 wherein the bore withoutthe manifold is surrounded by a plurality of bores.
 12. The heatexchanger segment of claim 2 wherein the bore without the manifold inthe tube sheet is aligned parallel to the bore in the second mass. 13.The heat exchanger segment of claim 2 wherein the bore without themanifold in the tube sheet is aligned perpendicularly to the bore in thesecond mass.
 14. The heat exchanger segment of claim 2 wherein a thermaltransfer fluid runs inside the sheet but outside the bundled tubes and amaterial to be conditioned runs inside the bundled tubes.